Compliance Intern Review

The internship was hugely worthwhile and gave hugely valuable insight into the banking industry. The 9 weeks were structured really well and provided all interns with a great deal of knowledge about their specific team and area but also information about how the bank operates as a whole. The internship was of course challenging but overall a greatly rewarding experience.

I was amazed at how much time all colleagues I came across were willing to give up, whether it be to help with a project, answer any queries, or advise on their specific role. In all meetings and projects I felt comfortable enough to speak up and felt confident that my thoughts would be valued.

The HR team and my line manager were really proactive in guiding me through each step of the internship, ensuring I took away as much from it as I could. They were keen for me to be challenged and to prove what I was capable of doing, but were ready to step in and provide their support through feedback and advice where necessary.

As we were given a number of projects in which to complete during the 9 week internship there was always a great deal to be getting on with. However as much of my project meant working closely with IT it meant, at times, there was a lull in the workload when waiting for assistance and before being able to move onto the next task.

The projects we were set were projects that genuinely assisted the team and needed to be done, rather than simply for the purpose of the internship. This gave us a great sense of responisbility and it was really rewarding to see that what we accomplished was of benefit to the team around us.

The skills I developed were very company and industry specific so will not be so beneficial in my final year of degree study. However, they will be hugely relevant to a job in the banking industry should I end up there.

The atmosphere was a really successful balance between professionalism and geniality. All colleagues were respectful of one another and there was a great deal of collaboration which gave a strong sense of team in all areas I came across.

The level of organisation of the internship was outstanding. There was a great deal organised for interns, training and many Q&A sessions took place throughout. All administrative aspects were taken care of really well by HR and a great amount of detail and attention had been taken into ensuring the internship programmes ran as smoothly as possible.

Barclays were really keen for all interns to build up really sound knowledge of the values and how the bank operates. A huge amount of training and information was given to all interns to ensure they developed as best they could throughout the internship and had the maximum chance to return for a graduate scheme.

Barclays seem to run really professional and successful internship programmes and graduate schemes which really prepare you for a role in the banking industry. Having secured a place on the graduate scheme I really feel that I am with the company that will benefit me most and really takes care of all its employees.

Interns and graduates were really encouraged to network and socialise with one another. This meant that all interns, from different departments within the bank built up connections and got to know one another not only in the work environment but also outside, for example, at drinks after work.

Canary Wharf is a notoriously expensive area both to live and socialise. As it is East and not very central it also meant for many there were fairly expensive travel costs incurred.

Canary Wharf has a huge amount of bars which are open each day after work. These were always very busy and outside the office, with the many parks and restaurants, it proves to be a very sociable place.

During my internship I took part in netball and also volunteering, which was encouraged by Barclays. All interns were given a lot of information about what they could take part in and how to do this.